Invisible Wall-mounted Bookshelf

This method for creating invisible, wall-mounted bookshelves DOES NOT require damaging a book as part of the construction process. You can use any variation on the materials I have listed. The key is to use what you have around the house, if at all possible, and keep it cheap. Remember, it doesn't matter what the finished product looks like. No one will see it!

I tried to use materials that could easily be found around the house. Most people will probably have to purchase the corner bracket, but they are easy to find at any hardware store and are very inexpensive.

Materials List:

2", 3' or 4" Corner Bracket
Wooden Paint stirring stick
Tape
Jumbo Paper Clip
Screws
Wire cutters or needle nose pliers

This is the main step in the shelf construction - creating the shelf surface.

1. Cut the wooden paint stirring stick in half. Measure the length of the stick to the width of the books you would like to use as the base book on the shelf. Cutting the stick in half creates two lengths that will fit a large hardback novel. to see if you have cut the right length, slide the stick under the front cover. It should be completely hidden with the cover closed.

2. Tape the two pieces of stirring stick to the corner bracket as shown. You may want to use a heavy tape, like duct tape. I used masking tape because it was what I had on hand.

The cover hook.
This little piece is essential holding the back cover in place when you have the bottom book resting on the shelf.

1. Using wire cutters or needle nose pliers, clip off the straight end of the jumbo paper clip, leaving about 1/4"

2. Bend and slightly flatten the paper clip as shown

Tape the paper clip hook to the bottom of the bracket, making sure it is secure.

Mount your new bookshelf on the wall!

For larger books like coffee table or art books, you may want to mount two shelves side-by-side about four inches apart for added stability